University of Michigan Denies Removing InterVarsity Chapter From Campus

The University of Michigan has denied that it removed a chapter of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship from campus because the group's bylaws required its leaders to be Christians, the Christian Post reports. According to university spokesperson Kelly Cunningham, the Asian InterVarsity chapter did not complete its annual re-registration process by the Sept. 30 deadline, a requirement of all student organizations. Cunningham's statement came after the group said last week it was kicked off campus after refusing to revise its constitution to fit the university's nondiscrimination policy. But Greg Jao, an InterVarsity national field director, called the university's claim "factually inaccurate," saying the group had not submitted its constitution because the university would not recognize it. "It's the same as approved in prior years, not an administrative failure on our end, but [the university] won't accept it," he said. Cunningham, however, maintains that the university discussed the issue with the InterVarsity chapter in December, but the group has yet to complete the process. Jao says the group is just seeking to adhere to traditional Christian values. "Every student, regardless of beliefs, is welcome to attend meetings," he said. "But we believe it makes sense for a religious group to select religious leaders."